Friday, July 25, 2014

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by
widespread pain. Symptoms may include fatigue, joint stiffness, muscle spasms
and twitching, weakness in the limbs and nerve pain. The pain can range from an
aching tenderness to severe discomfort. It is estimated that fibromyalgia
affects 2-8% of the world population, with the disease most prevalent in
females, though it can also affect men and children. Unfortunately,
fibromyalgia is often misdiagnosed and is frequently associated with depression
and anxiety. It was not until 1987 that the American Medical Association
recognized fibromyalgia as a "legitimate" disease and a cause of
disability.

Since there is no known cure for fibromyalgia, many who
suffer from this condition have turned to massage therapy to help relieve their
often debilitating symptoms. The results have been encouraging with massage
therapy being recognized as the most effective (non-drug) treatment for the
pain and dysfunction of fibromyalgia. Massage therapy works at the cellular
level to reduce symptoms and stimulates health in the circulatory and
myofascial (muscle and connective tissue) systems of the body, helping to improve
circulation and assist in releasing toxins and waste products from the body. The
physical pressure on the skin promotes the loosening of stiff muscles and
connective tissue and breaks the tension, strain and pain cycle, which in turn reduces
the inflammation and the associated neurological reactions. Massage therapy has
also been demonstrated to help the body release certain chemicals in the brain
that help individuals relax. aiding in better and longer sleep patterns.

The qualified therapists at Academy Massage are trained in
the proper procedure to provide effective treatment to lessen the pain and
discomfort of fibromyalgia. Through their skilled therapeutic methods it has
been noted that after the first few massage sessions the fibromyalgia sufferer
will start to experience significant results. However, Academy Massage recommends
that massage for fibromyalgia be done in shorter, more frequent intervals, such
as one half hour twice a week, instead of an hour-long session.

Friday, July 11, 2014

A 2013 Statistics Canada report revealed that nearly 2
million Canadians aged 12 and older suffer from diabetes. More disturbing is a
report from Health Canada which states that incidents of diabetes are on the
rise, due largely to obesity and physical inactivity - and even genetic
susceptibility.

Diabetes is one of the most chronic diseases in Canada. In
fact, according to the International Diabetes Association, diabetes is a global
epidemic accounting for 4.16 million worldwide deaths annually.

Diabetes occurs when there are problems with the production
and use of insulin in the body, which ultimately leads to a dangerous increase
in blood sugar levels. Symptoms include weight loss, excessive thirst, frequent
urination, and fatigue. Long-term complications may include kidney failure,
diminishing or total loss of vision, loss of feeling in the limbs, and
cardiovascular disease.

There are three types of diabetes and each requires a
specific treatment:

Type 2 (or "non-insulin" dependent) diabetes can
usually be controlled through proper diet and exercise and, if necessary, oral
medications.

Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy and usually
disappears after the baby is born.

Besides traditional medical treatments and/or changes in
lifestyle, massage has become a popular and beneficial therapy both to prevent
and improve the potential risks associated with diabetes. At Academy Massage
our qualified therapists are knowledgeable in the correct treatment procedures to
help one manage diabetes.

Diabetics are at risk for serious circulatory problems.
While circulation is a crucial component in maintaining good health, healthy
blood flow may become compromised in the person who is diabetic. High blood
sugars can result in a hardening of the arteries. According to a number of
research studies, massage therapy has been shown to improve circulation,
promoting a better flow of oxygen and nutrients through the body and organs, including
the extremities, hence improving insulin distribution within the cells.

Muscle and other tissues can be adversely affected by high
blood sugar levels. Stress and improper circulation can cause the tissues
around the muscles and tendons to become thicker. This can decrease a
diabetic's movement and range of motion. Massage therapy addresses this problem
directly by allowing positive chemical changes to occur in the body which, in
turn, reduces stiffness and encourages flexibility and mobility. The importance
of this treatment is that with improved body movement the diabetic is able to
follow a sensible exercise plan that is necessary in the prevention of further
complications connected with the disease.

Massage therapy is also effective in providing relief for
diabetic neuropathy, which may include any number of troubling symptoms,
ranging from numbness or tingling of the extremities to speech impairment.
These symptoms are often alleviated with gentle massage.

Of course there are the relaxation benefits of massage,
which is important in dealing with the stress people living with diabetes often
experience. Diabetics must monitor blood glucose levels daily and those who
experience anxiety are at risk for poor blood sugar control. Massage therapy
calms the nervous system, thereby promoting a release of stressful emotions
that otherwise may prove detrimental to one's physical, emotional and
psychological well-being.

The benefits of massage can help a diabetic continue to
maintain and enjoy a healthy lifestyle. Therefore the professionals at Academy Massage recommend that regular massage therapy should become part of the
treatment for diabetics.